Morocco is recovering after the tragic earthquake of September 8. The consequences of this disaster were devastating, with nearly 3,000 dead and more than 5,600 injured. But the kingdom does not intend to let itself be defeated and today announced a colossal budget of nearly 11 billion euros for the reconstruction and development of the affected areas.
This financial envelope, planned over a period of five years, will benefit 4.2 million inhabitants. The reconstruction program aims to rehouse affected people, rebuild destroyed habitats and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure. A colossal project, given that the interministerial commission has already identified nearly 50,000 homes totally or partially destroyed.
However, one of the main difficulties facing Morocco is the geographical location of the affected areas. Located in remote and difficult to access mountainous regions, the reconstruction and upgrading of these territories promises to be complex. The program therefore provides for opening up to facilitate access to the affected regions, but also for the implementation of measures to encourage local economic activity.
Indeed, these regions were already in a situation of economic precariousness, the earthquake accentuated their vulnerability. It is therefore essential to support their economic recovery in order to promote real long-term reconstruction. The Moroccan authorities, supported by volunteers and humanitarian organizations, have already set up emergency camps to rehouse the affected people. But it is essential to find lasting solutions quickly, as winter is approaching and weather conditions can be extremely difficult in mountainous areas.
Unicef estimates that there are still nearly 300,000 people homeless. It is therefore urgent to find suitable housing solutions for these families, in order to ensure them a minimum of comfort and security. The stakes are high, because the affected population must be able to rebuild physically and morally after this disaster.
In conclusion, Morocco is doing everything it can to recover from this devastating earthquake. The substantial budget allocated to reconstruction demonstrates the country’s desire to help its citizens in distress. The challenges are numerous, both logistically and economically, but with the support of the authorities, humanitarian organizations and international solidarity, Morocco is giving itself every chance to rebuild itself and heal the wounds caused by this catastrophe.